The unloading was done at Subic Port today, December 6. This arrival completes the 4 ordered patrol vessels from French shipbuilder OCEA.

“The acquisition of these patrol boats is under the contract signed by the DOTr with maritime technology expert and ship-builder OCEA S.A. of France to strengthen the enforcement in maritime safety and security, and marine environmental protection,” the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

The first two OCEA FPB72 Mark II, BRP Boracay (FPB 2401) and BRP Panglao (FPB 2402), are already in active service after their commissioning on October 15.

“The FPB has a maximum speed (light load) of up to 30 knots; it is specially designed for hot pursuit and rallying as well as endurance even during rough weather operation. It can accommodate 27 persons (12 crews and 16 passengers),” PCG said.

“This acquisition is an additional asset to the PCG in the conduct of its missions such as general coastal patrol of territorial and economic zone waters, law enforcement operations, surveillance and Coast Guard operations, fishing surveillance operations, anti-smuggling and illegal immigration control, search and rescue operations, control of vessels at sea, and special operations,” it added.

OCEA is also in the process of building one 84-meter offshore patrol vessel 270 (OPV 270) for PCG. It is expected to be delivered in August 2019.